Wow...the new WordPress mobile application is pretty nice.
Anyway, here is a cute picture of Anya in a crown!
Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ramblings. Show all posts
Feb 20, 2012
Jan 15, 2012
Resolutions for 2012
So, it has definitely been awhile since I last blogged. I wish there was an epically awesome reason, but there hasn't been. Work has been steady busy, and we've been prepping the house for baby #2. I guess that would fall under epically awesome.
Anyway, here is my list of personal goals for the coming year:
There, I think that should do it.
Anyway, here is my list of personal goals for the coming year:
- double the number of races to four.
- read a book a month.
- decide on, and apply for masters program
- hit stable weight of 160, currently 162-163
- finish painting the two rooms upstairs....lame but doable :)
- travel to visit old friends.
- get out and be more social
- organize more stuff at home and let go of some of the old things.
There, I think that should do it.
Jan 2, 2012
Holiday Newsletter!
Robyn and I just wrote up our year in review.
http://markpeterson.net/christmas/holiday-newsletters/holiday-newsletter-2011/
Happy New Year!
http://markpeterson.net/christmas/holiday-newsletters/holiday-newsletter-2011/
Happy New Year!
Nov 22, 2011
Getting ready.
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It is one of the holidays where families get together to enjoy a good meal and each other's company without the obligation of purchasing a gift.
I want Christmas to be like that. I think I say that now because I can't afford to buy expensive gifts for everyone in my family.
There has always been this part of me that wants to have a homemade Christmas. The kind where you get together early in the morning to prepare to Christmas dinner, hang out for the day drinking coffee, and eventually wine...just soaking in the time together. Then, once we've had a little time to digest, open homemade presents that have real feeling behind them. I'm not saying you can't have an emotional response to a new drill, but I just have a feeling opening a box of homemade cookies, bread, or handmade candle might give a slightly more personal, moving response...
I think that's what I want, but if given the opportunity, would I do it? it's hard when you have kids to get out the door for an entire day. I know Anya doesn't really sleep/nap well anywhere but in her bed. Couple that with even if she did sleep, there might be too much noise to stay asleep.
Homemade gifts are harder not only because you essentially have an "amateur" making the gift, it then has to be something the person wants. It isn't hard to do, but requires to actually KNOW the person.
Do they like chocolate chip cookies, but LOVE chocolate Chip with walnut cookies?
What if they don't bake properly? What if the Candle turns an undesirable color? What if? What if?
That's the issue I'm facing, the "what if" dilemma. I want to make and give gifts people will LOVE, not just like. I WANT to know them well enough to make something they will fondly remember, and (not so secretly) hope they receive again next year, or something very similar.
Maybe some year, we'll do that...maybe.
I want Christmas to be like that. I think I say that now because I can't afford to buy expensive gifts for everyone in my family.
There has always been this part of me that wants to have a homemade Christmas. The kind where you get together early in the morning to prepare to Christmas dinner, hang out for the day drinking coffee, and eventually wine...just soaking in the time together. Then, once we've had a little time to digest, open homemade presents that have real feeling behind them. I'm not saying you can't have an emotional response to a new drill, but I just have a feeling opening a box of homemade cookies, bread, or handmade candle might give a slightly more personal, moving response...
I think that's what I want, but if given the opportunity, would I do it? it's hard when you have kids to get out the door for an entire day. I know Anya doesn't really sleep/nap well anywhere but in her bed. Couple that with even if she did sleep, there might be too much noise to stay asleep.
Homemade gifts are harder not only because you essentially have an "amateur" making the gift, it then has to be something the person wants. It isn't hard to do, but requires to actually KNOW the person.
Do they like chocolate chip cookies, but LOVE chocolate Chip with walnut cookies?
What if they don't bake properly? What if the Candle turns an undesirable color? What if? What if?
That's the issue I'm facing, the "what if" dilemma. I want to make and give gifts people will LOVE, not just like. I WANT to know them well enough to make something they will fondly remember, and (not so secretly) hope they receive again next year, or something very similar.
Maybe some year, we'll do that...maybe.
Nov 12, 2011
Walking Dead: A good show
While I was waiting for the (non-existent) trick-or-treaters to show up, I decided I wanted to watch a Halloween-type show.
I surfed through Netflix, and came across Walking Dead.
I just finished the first season, and I'm digging it. The atmosphere is great. I'm really getting interested in the main characters, and have strong feelings about them, like Shane is a Dick, a Psychotic Dick...
but I digress.
I've heard from people who said this show doesn't do the Graphic Novel Justice. I heard the same thing about Watchmen, but enjoyed both for what they were.
The overall desperate atmosphere of the show permeates the entire show. The stress of trying to survive is affecting each character in a different way.
I'm really interested to see where this goes. I'd also be interested to see where it did go with the original Graphic Novel.
I surfed through Netflix, and came across Walking Dead.
I just finished the first season, and I'm digging it. The atmosphere is great. I'm really getting interested in the main characters, and have strong feelings about them, like Shane is a Dick, a Psychotic Dick...
but I digress.
I've heard from people who said this show doesn't do the Graphic Novel Justice. I heard the same thing about Watchmen, but enjoyed both for what they were.
The overall desperate atmosphere of the show permeates the entire show. The stress of trying to survive is affecting each character in a different way.
I'm really interested to see where this goes. I'd also be interested to see where it did go with the original Graphic Novel.
Nov 10, 2011
Sluggish Run
Today's run sucked.
Or at least it felt like it did.
Occasionally I have these running "sessions" where it feels like I'm running through Molasses while running on sand against the wind.
I did not time this run, but I doubt it was anything more than two minutes off my usual time.
Or at least it felt like it did.
Occasionally I have these running "sessions" where it feels like I'm running through Molasses while running on sand against the wind.
I did not time this run, but I doubt it was anything more than two minutes off my usual time.
Nov 7, 2011
Quiet Running
The past three days, I was without my headphones. I left them at work on Friday and didn't feel like turning around and getting them after I realized this halfway home. I didn't think too much of it, until I got up to go running Saturday morning.
I always run with my headphones. I'm either listening to a podcast about technology, listening to an audiobook, or just plain old Music.
The three days without my headphones was an experience.
The first thing I noticed was my breathing: I could hear it and focused on it. I was trying to not take short, shallow breaths. I had to try NOT to focus...I thought the noises from Nature would help distract...
...but it was eerily quiet. Besides the occasional car, there were essentially no other noises. Nothing.
I do know where all the dogs live now :)
I always run with my headphones. I'm either listening to a podcast about technology, listening to an audiobook, or just plain old Music.
The three days without my headphones was an experience.
The first thing I noticed was my breathing: I could hear it and focused on it. I was trying to not take short, shallow breaths. I had to try NOT to focus...I thought the noises from Nature would help distract...
...but it was eerily quiet. Besides the occasional car, there were essentially no other noises. Nothing.
I do know where all the dogs live now :)
Nov 6, 2011
"I'm sorry my dog bit you, here's a coffee cake.."
"Did you bake a cake?" Robyn asked, as she walked in the door.
I paused the Beauty and the Beast Soundtrack on Pandora.
"What?" I asked, slightly puzzled.
"There's a cake in the garage. Did you bake it and put it there?"
I walked over to the door.
"No." I said "I was planning on making an apple cake/crisp.."
I looked out our door and saw an aluminum foil-wrapped plate on top of my tool box.
"Uh, if you didn't, then who did. Did my mom drop it off maybe?" Robyn asked, trying to piece together the cake mystery.
I picked up the still warm plate and peaked under the foil. It smelled of melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg: An almost picture perfect classic coffee cake.
"Oh.." I said, with a slight sigh. "I bet this is from across the street. A way to say 'Sorry my dog bit you, have a coffee cake.'"
A couple of hours earlier, I had gone out to check the mailbox. On my way to the mailbox, one of the three dogs that lives across the street started running toward me. I looked up, waved and said hi to the dog, and proceeded to grab my mail.
The dog continued to come closer, making its way to the middle of the road.
"Well, that's not a good place to hang out." I said calmly to the dog.
The dog had laid down on the yellow line in the middle of the road, in what appeared to be a quasi-friendly way. One of the dog's owners came out and started calling for the dog.
"I'm sorry about that! The batteries are dead in the collar and the thing has been unplugged for a while" she said, motioning to the little outbuilding where the electric fence base station is.
"Oh no problem!" I said cheerfully. "I"m trying to convince her the road isn't a good place to lay down."
I put my hands down at my side, the two junk letters in my left hand. I put my palms towards the dog, in trying to show her I was unarmed or something. I made a little "come on" motion with my left hand as I slowly walked towards the dog in trying to coax it out of the road.
That's when the dog's demeanor changed. The dog hunched back a bit, and lowered its ears. I stopped moving forward and took one step back. At this point I was within striking distance. The dog made one quick bark and lunged at my left arm. I my arm back, and the dog bit my left leg above the knee and just before the hamstring.
"GRah!" I spurted out. It surprised me more than anything else. I was wearing my Carhart pants, which are fairly thick.
"Oh my goodness" my neighbor said in shock. "I'm so sorry!"
"It's alright, I don't think there was any permanent damage, just a startle." I said, in trying to calm her down.
At this point the dog had sneaked its way back to its own yard. My neighbor kept repeating how sorry she was and how she shouldn't have done that.
"It's alright, I don't think she even got me. No harm, no foul." I said with a slight laugh.
I went back inside and relayed the story to Robyn. She was more concerned than I was, but she was thinking more about dogs and Kids.
"What if it gets loose while the kids are riding bikes in the driveway?" Robyn asked.
"I don't know." I replied, trying to find the best answer. "Have a taser handy?"
"All I know is this: Electric fences are terrible." I stated.
"Yeah, and we have TWO of them surrounding us." Robyn said. "Alright, I'm off to JoAnn's."
"Alright. Have fun. Love you!" I said as she was walking to the door.
"Love you too. See you later." She said.
I took a look at the bite: It barely broke the skin. It looked more like a small spot of rug burn. I put some beta dine, and Neosporin on the area, put a bandaid on and went about my day.
I paused the Beauty and the Beast Soundtrack on Pandora.
"What?" I asked, slightly puzzled.
"There's a cake in the garage. Did you bake it and put it there?"
I walked over to the door.
"No." I said "I was planning on making an apple cake/crisp.."
I looked out our door and saw an aluminum foil-wrapped plate on top of my tool box.
"Uh, if you didn't, then who did. Did my mom drop it off maybe?" Robyn asked, trying to piece together the cake mystery.
I picked up the still warm plate and peaked under the foil. It smelled of melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg: An almost picture perfect classic coffee cake.
"Oh.." I said, with a slight sigh. "I bet this is from across the street. A way to say 'Sorry my dog bit you, have a coffee cake.'"
A couple of hours earlier, I had gone out to check the mailbox. On my way to the mailbox, one of the three dogs that lives across the street started running toward me. I looked up, waved and said hi to the dog, and proceeded to grab my mail.
The dog continued to come closer, making its way to the middle of the road.
"Well, that's not a good place to hang out." I said calmly to the dog.
The dog had laid down on the yellow line in the middle of the road, in what appeared to be a quasi-friendly way. One of the dog's owners came out and started calling for the dog.
"I'm sorry about that! The batteries are dead in the collar and the thing has been unplugged for a while" she said, motioning to the little outbuilding where the electric fence base station is.
"Oh no problem!" I said cheerfully. "I"m trying to convince her the road isn't a good place to lay down."
I put my hands down at my side, the two junk letters in my left hand. I put my palms towards the dog, in trying to show her I was unarmed or something. I made a little "come on" motion with my left hand as I slowly walked towards the dog in trying to coax it out of the road.
That's when the dog's demeanor changed. The dog hunched back a bit, and lowered its ears. I stopped moving forward and took one step back. At this point I was within striking distance. The dog made one quick bark and lunged at my left arm. I my arm back, and the dog bit my left leg above the knee and just before the hamstring.
"GRah!" I spurted out. It surprised me more than anything else. I was wearing my Carhart pants, which are fairly thick.
"Oh my goodness" my neighbor said in shock. "I'm so sorry!"
"It's alright, I don't think there was any permanent damage, just a startle." I said, in trying to calm her down.
At this point the dog had sneaked its way back to its own yard. My neighbor kept repeating how sorry she was and how she shouldn't have done that.
"It's alright, I don't think she even got me. No harm, no foul." I said with a slight laugh.
I went back inside and relayed the story to Robyn. She was more concerned than I was, but she was thinking more about dogs and Kids.
"What if it gets loose while the kids are riding bikes in the driveway?" Robyn asked.
"I don't know." I replied, trying to find the best answer. "Have a taser handy?"
"All I know is this: Electric fences are terrible." I stated.
"Yeah, and we have TWO of them surrounding us." Robyn said. "Alright, I'm off to JoAnn's."
"Alright. Have fun. Love you!" I said as she was walking to the door.
"Love you too. See you later." She said.
I took a look at the bite: It barely broke the skin. It looked more like a small spot of rug burn. I put some beta dine, and Neosporin on the area, put a bandaid on and went about my day.
Nov 5, 2011
Oh Spam Comments
According to my Spam comments, my About page has helped hundreds of people, with professional advice, witty comments, and served as a meeting of the minds.
Oh, and a great place to comment on here to find the cheapest drugs and the oddest Adult oriented sites...
I should probably clean out the spam more often...
Oh, and a great place to comment on here to find the cheapest drugs and the oddest Adult oriented sites...
I should probably clean out the spam more often...
Nov 4, 2011
Should be an interesting Weekend
I left my laptop and iPad at work today.
This will make for a quiet weekend. Probably not a bad thing, I have a Quasi-Thanksgiving to plan!
Woke up this morning to no power in the house. Didn't realize it at first, and fell back asleep.
Woke up again...to a blinking alarm clock. By the time I got the stove back up and running and the animals fed, there was no way I had time to go running.
Looks like it'll be a weekend of running for me!
This will make for a quiet weekend. Probably not a bad thing, I have a Quasi-Thanksgiving to plan!
Woke up this morning to no power in the house. Didn't realize it at first, and fell back asleep.
Woke up again...to a blinking alarm clock. By the time I got the stove back up and running and the animals fed, there was no way I had time to go running.
Looks like it'll be a weekend of running for me!
Stove is running fine
I think I have the stove running pretty good now.
After resealing every joint in the exhaust and the door, I think it is finally airtight. I'm not happy with the amount of silicone in the door gasket, but as long as it works for now, I'll take it.
I fired up the stove after the sealing and the draft fan sensor turned off, which means the loss in pressure was gone! I still had an issue with the pellets just piling up in the burn pot. After about 12 hours, the pot would be over flowing, and the bottom would be covered in "clinkers" or fused ash. This clogs the air holes which causes the flame to be lazy, as well as not allow ash to be trapped in the ash trap.
So, I also modified the draft fan thresholds a bit. The Factory setting is 100 for low, and 300 for high. I wish I knew what the units were, cfm maybe?
Anyway, after adjusting it to 170/315, the flame seems to be more stable, and the pellets are not piling up in the burn pot like they were on the default settings. If anything, I might need to turn it down just a bit; I think the flame may be too active. Although, my ash is nice and chocolate in color, a good sign the stove is running fairly efficient.
I'm sure that this will be an ongoing thing, but for now...I have heat :)
After resealing every joint in the exhaust and the door, I think it is finally airtight. I'm not happy with the amount of silicone in the door gasket, but as long as it works for now, I'll take it.
I fired up the stove after the sealing and the draft fan sensor turned off, which means the loss in pressure was gone! I still had an issue with the pellets just piling up in the burn pot. After about 12 hours, the pot would be over flowing, and the bottom would be covered in "clinkers" or fused ash. This clogs the air holes which causes the flame to be lazy, as well as not allow ash to be trapped in the ash trap.
So, I also modified the draft fan thresholds a bit. The Factory setting is 100 for low, and 300 for high. I wish I knew what the units were, cfm maybe?
Anyway, after adjusting it to 170/315, the flame seems to be more stable, and the pellets are not piling up in the burn pot like they were on the default settings. If anything, I might need to turn it down just a bit; I think the flame may be too active. Although, my ash is nice and chocolate in color, a good sign the stove is running fairly efficient.
I'm sure that this will be an ongoing thing, but for now...I have heat :)
Nov 3, 2011
Turkey-Day Running!
I decided to sign up for the 40th Annual Turkey Trot Run in Webster this year. I chose the "2.5 miler fun run" instead of the 4.4 miler. I figure, it may be Turkey day, but I don't want to go too crazy.
I know I could do both, but the run prohibits headphones. I always run with headphones. I'm sure I would be fine, but I like to listen to an audio book or podcast to help keep my mind active slightly distracted. When I don't run with headphones, I tend to analyze my run too much, and end up making it worse.
I focus on my breathing, and how it should be longer/deeper, or that my stride is not Gazelle enough.
If this goes well, maybe I'll do the 4.4 next year.
I know I could do both, but the run prohibits headphones. I always run with headphones. I'm sure I would be fine, but I like to listen to an audio book or podcast to help keep my mind active slightly distracted. When I don't run with headphones, I tend to analyze my run too much, and end up making it worse.
I focus on my breathing, and how it should be longer/deeper, or that my stride is not Gazelle enough.
If this goes well, maybe I'll do the 4.4 next year.
Nov 1, 2011
My cr-48 review
It has been almost 10 months since I started this crazy thing. I think it is time to revise and publish!
Abouta week ten months ago, I was surprised to come home and find a Google Chrome OS laptop (henceforth called cr-48, or Carl) waiting for me by my door. In my excitement I failed to make an "unboxing" video or even snap pictures of it in its case. All attempts to coax Carl back into his shipping box failed, so you'll have to use your imagination.
Let's start first with a breakdown of the hardware. On the outside, Carl is striking. Carl is matte black, with NO logos anywhere. Included in the box was a business card letting me know Intel was inside. Google also included "stickers" to decorate Carl. It gives him a bit of flair, but even without, I'm drawn to the simple, sleek style. I wish all laptops looked like this.
As far as the keyboard is concerned, it's one of the better Chiclet style keyboards I've used. Initially, while typing, I found my palms rested right on the trackpad caused it to activate, but after tweaking the sensitivity, it seems to have improved. The functions keys have been replaced by Chrome OS specific keys, such as forward, back, reload, mute, volume up/down, full screen, and brightness controls. The one button that
gdgt has a great breakdown of what's inside Carl. I'll give you a minute to read it...don't worry, I'll wait.
Great job huh? Anyway, as you can see, the hardware isn't Alienware crazy hardware, but a pretty decent year old netbook. I didn't realize there was bluetooth, as there isn't any indication of how to use it in the settings menu. Perhaps in a future system update, but for now I can't seem to make it work.
I've been using Carl as my main machine at home, and as my travel machine at work. For that approach, this is
Here are the notes I took while using the Carl:
Cons:
Pros:
About
Let's start first with a breakdown of the hardware. On the outside, Carl is striking. Carl is matte black, with NO logos anywhere. Included in the box was a business card letting me know Intel was inside. Google also included "stickers" to decorate Carl. It gives him a bit of flair, but even without, I'm drawn to the simple, sleek style. I wish all laptops looked like this.
As far as the keyboard is concerned, it's one of the better Chiclet style keyboards I've used. Initially, while typing, I found my palms rested right on the trackpad caused it to activate, but after tweaking the sensitivity, it seems to have improved. The functions keys have been replaced by Chrome OS specific keys, such as forward, back, reload, mute, volume up/down, full screen, and brightness controls. The one button that
gdgt has a great breakdown of what's inside Carl. I'll give you a minute to read it...don't worry, I'll wait.
Great job huh? Anyway, as you can see, the hardware isn't Alienware crazy hardware, but a pretty decent year old netbook. I didn't realize there was bluetooth, as there isn't any indication of how to use it in the settings menu. Perhaps in a future system update, but for now I can't seem to make it work.
I've been using Carl as my main machine at home, and as my travel machine at work. For that approach, this is
Here are the notes I took while using the Carl:
Cons:
- Sound static issue is a problem UPDATE: sound fixed!!
- No Java Support
No way to change profile picturenow you can!!- No backlight on keyboard
- No local storage to store pictures/videos
- Flash video playback is choppy UPDATE: flash is better, but still choppy
- Laggy performance
- Google Docs, opening document not as instantaneous as on win7 laptop
- While on lap, accidental touch pad activation a concern.
- So Now I’m writing with my hands near the touch pad...seems to be better.
Pros:
- Super Fast boot time
- Browser Sync
- Automatic (and quiet) updates
- Decent keyboard feel
- Great battery life (~ 6-7 hours of use)
- Great integration with google products (expected, but nice)
- Screen flip button
- Ctrl+n to open a new window. Dedicated key to switch (where f5 is) between screens. Great way to solve the side-by-side window use in Other OSes. Very quick. Always goes to the right, use shift to the left. Great!
- Sleek design.
- Lack of any Logos makes it really appealing
- web app store has good selection of apps/links to offset lack of local apps.
Oct 29, 2011
Tiring, but fantastic Day!
Today, really tired me out.
Robyn and I threw a pumpkin carving party at our house. To prepare for the event, we prepared a mighty feast: Apple cake, Banana Bread, Garlic Toast, and Homemade Meatball Sauce. Robyn and I took turns prepping and watching Anya. I was going to bake a traditional loaf for the garlic, but Robyn knew there wouldn't be time, so she picked up a couple of crusty loaves at Wegmans yesterday.
We had 5 people (Brendan, Jack, Stacey, Brett, and Andy)show up, which was great and helped make our house feel small :) Brendan brought two delicous pies; Sweet potato Pecan, and Traditional pumpkin to add to our feast. There was so much good food! I tried to convince Andy he needed to eat more than one slice of pie, but it didn't work...plus, combined with the 78 degree house (thank you stove for working!) I'm pretty sure it would have put him in a coma, or at least a really nice nap. :)
It was an amazing time, just sitting, talking, eating, and enjoying time with friends. The kids were quite entertaining. At one point, all the adults were in the computer room carving, and the two little ones took off for the kitchen. I went in to see what mischief they were getting into. I walk in, and Jack was on the table, with half a loaf of banana bread in his hand, while Anya, more than likely, was directing him where to go. I simply said "HELLO! I see you would like some more bread."
Jack's face was priceless. Just a quick glance around, as if he was saying "what? me? Oh sure." Anya looked concerned like she was about to get scolded, but then realized that it was ok, and threw on her telltale grin.
Here are a few quick pictures from the carving:
Side note: both my Droid X and our Camera take HORRIBLE low light pictures. I'm not sure if any Mobile phone camera can take a good low light photo, but I think might be time to retire the Konica Minolta DeImage A200.
After everyone left, Robyn made the point that if we do this again next year with just the same set of people, there will be three more kids. I then realized that Robyn, Stacey, and Rabia are all due within a couple months of each other.
Awesome.
Robyn and I threw a pumpkin carving party at our house. To prepare for the event, we prepared a mighty feast: Apple cake, Banana Bread, Garlic Toast, and Homemade Meatball Sauce. Robyn and I took turns prepping and watching Anya. I was going to bake a traditional loaf for the garlic, but Robyn knew there wouldn't be time, so she picked up a couple of crusty loaves at Wegmans yesterday.
We had 5 people (Brendan, Jack, Stacey, Brett, and Andy)show up, which was great and helped make our house feel small :) Brendan brought two delicous pies; Sweet potato Pecan, and Traditional pumpkin to add to our feast. There was so much good food! I tried to convince Andy he needed to eat more than one slice of pie, but it didn't work...plus, combined with the 78 degree house (thank you stove for working!) I'm pretty sure it would have put him in a coma, or at least a really nice nap. :)
It was an amazing time, just sitting, talking, eating, and enjoying time with friends. The kids were quite entertaining. At one point, all the adults were in the computer room carving, and the two little ones took off for the kitchen. I went in to see what mischief they were getting into. I walk in, and Jack was on the table, with half a loaf of banana bread in his hand, while Anya, more than likely, was directing him where to go. I simply said "HELLO! I see you would like some more bread."
Jack's face was priceless. Just a quick glance around, as if he was saying "what? me? Oh sure." Anya looked concerned like she was about to get scolded, but then realized that it was ok, and threw on her telltale grin.
Here are a few quick pictures from the carving:
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| From Oct 2011 |
Side note: both my Droid X and our Camera take HORRIBLE low light pictures. I'm not sure if any Mobile phone camera can take a good low light photo, but I think might be time to retire the Konica Minolta DeImage A200.
After everyone left, Robyn made the point that if we do this again next year with just the same set of people, there will be three more kids. I then realized that Robyn, Stacey, and Rabia are all due within a couple months of each other.
Awesome.
Oct 28, 2011
Why I write
I've started to write here more frequently. I've also changed my approach and style a little bit which I think makes it easier to write.
When I first started blogging, I did it because I thought I needed to. Being a technical guy, part of the allure was getting my site off the ground. Could I take a domain name, MY name, and build a site that reflected who I am...virtually?
As with most of my ideas, the technical part was easy, it was the creative requirements that sunk me.
I started out with a simple plan of writing three entries a week. I didn't want to lock myself in specific topics: I wanted it to reflect myself and the events of the day/week rather than beholden to a thematic overlord. At first, it didn't seem to bad. I'd write up a quick entry about the "going ons" in my personal life, and move on.
It didn't last more than about two entries before I began to succumb to one of my main character flaws: sensitive over thinking. Let's take a peek inside my brain preparing for an entry about Work:
As you can see, I think A LOT about what others may think of my entries. I definitely don't want to jeopardize my career over a quick, terse entry about something that I usually get over within a matter of hours, but if I don't write/talk about it, the post has a tendency to simmer and stew, and start to boil over into other thoughts and eventually could become all consuming until I finally talk it out or just go to sleep.
With respect to Friends and family, I am in a similar boat. If there's a situation that arises that stirs up strong emotions, I need to talk/write to collate my emotions, to better understand where they are coming from. Am I upset/worried because deep down I don't agree with their choice/thoughts relating to the emotional situation? Am I jealous/envious of them about something else that is tainting my perception of the situation that could lead me down a path of unpleasantness?
In the past few years of running my own site (and a blogger site before that) I have spent more time trying to predict reactions about a still-to-be-written post, than actually writing.
The times when I do write, I try to edit on the fly. I don't ever get the thought all the way down before I try to shape it into a flowing narrative. I tried to do stream of consciousness, but it didn't work out for me. In my own critical eye, it sounded less than brillant.
I get so caught up in other people's perceptions, that I cut off an avenue to express myself and to help me learn to articulate my thoughts and feelings in a more concise matter.
Instead, I let it build up, and try to talk with Robyn about it. Don't get me wrong, I love talking to my wife and getting her insight/opinion, but She can't be the only one. I can't expect her to have all the answer: I need to reach out to more people.
I've got a few co-workers now that I feel comfortable enough to talk about work related issues, and a few personal things, but I still have a bit of a reserved attitude. I could understand if I had been burned by a peer in the past, but I can't think of an instance of that happening. I have no good reason hold back (at least professionally) with the people at work I feel I can talk with, but yet I do. I think that my over thinking sensitiveness is showing through still.
So, what does this all have to do with my resurgence of writing? Not much, at least directly.
I've decided to write more, mostly because I've decided it's time. I've reach a point in my life that I'm comfortable enough to use my blog for its intended purpose: reflect who I am online, and give me an outlet to hone my thoughts. Does this mean I'm going to start writing about every little thing that happens in my life? Probably not. I'll more than likely not bring work into the mix...this is MY blog about MY life. I have enough to parse through outside of work, I'll leave my work concerns there.
What you can expect to see, is more posts like the ones about the stove. Posts that I use to discuss my feelings of inexperience, inadequacies, frustration, excitement, and satisfaction. I need to work on identifying my feelings and their origins, and if they are less than helpful emotions, figure out how to work through them to be able to move on without always having a tiny spot in the back of my mind that keeps making its way to the surface.
The stove entries were very cathartic for me, and afterwards, I slept much better...even if I was a bit chilly :)
So here's to a new blog, and a new me. More of the old...but hopefully not as much as before.
When I first started blogging, I did it because I thought I needed to. Being a technical guy, part of the allure was getting my site off the ground. Could I take a domain name, MY name, and build a site that reflected who I am...virtually?
As with most of my ideas, the technical part was easy, it was the creative requirements that sunk me.
I started out with a simple plan of writing three entries a week. I didn't want to lock myself in specific topics: I wanted it to reflect myself and the events of the day/week rather than beholden to a thematic overlord. At first, it didn't seem to bad. I'd write up a quick entry about the "going ons" in my personal life, and move on.
It didn't last more than about two entries before I began to succumb to one of my main character flaws: sensitive over thinking. Let's take a peek inside my brain preparing for an entry about Work:
"OK. Time to write up a quick post. What should I write about? Oh! How about my rising frustration with my boss <insert topic here>? Yeah, I could write to help collect my thoughts, and be better prepared to go back and go another round about this."
"Hmm...When I applied for my job, I used my domain email...so he must know I have a domain...what if he reads this? He hasn't said anything about it before....maybe he's just silently checking up on it..."
"Gah, getting off topic...maybe I'll just write about it...but not make it specific enough so he would know it was me...Who would read that? It wouldn't have any substance!"
"F*$% this...Maybe I'll write about <insert Personal Topic here>. I've been meaning to try to parse out my thoughts on it anyway.."
"What if My Mom/Dad/Family member/close friend/acquaintance reads this? Could this somehow negatively impact my relationship with them?"
"No, not going to write about that either...Maybe I'll write a fiction piece..."
"..."
"...I don't have any ideas...Screw this, I'll just browse around MySpace/Facebook/G+/Social network of the day."
As you can see, I think A LOT about what others may think of my entries. I definitely don't want to jeopardize my career over a quick, terse entry about something that I usually get over within a matter of hours, but if I don't write/talk about it, the post has a tendency to simmer and stew, and start to boil over into other thoughts and eventually could become all consuming until I finally talk it out or just go to sleep.
With respect to Friends and family, I am in a similar boat. If there's a situation that arises that stirs up strong emotions, I need to talk/write to collate my emotions, to better understand where they are coming from. Am I upset/worried because deep down I don't agree with their choice/thoughts relating to the emotional situation? Am I jealous/envious of them about something else that is tainting my perception of the situation that could lead me down a path of unpleasantness?
In the past few years of running my own site (and a blogger site before that) I have spent more time trying to predict reactions about a still-to-be-written post, than actually writing.
The times when I do write, I try to edit on the fly. I don't ever get the thought all the way down before I try to shape it into a flowing narrative. I tried to do stream of consciousness, but it didn't work out for me. In my own critical eye, it sounded less than brillant.
I get so caught up in other people's perceptions, that I cut off an avenue to express myself and to help me learn to articulate my thoughts and feelings in a more concise matter.
Instead, I let it build up, and try to talk with Robyn about it. Don't get me wrong, I love talking to my wife and getting her insight/opinion, but She can't be the only one. I can't expect her to have all the answer: I need to reach out to more people.
I've got a few co-workers now that I feel comfortable enough to talk about work related issues, and a few personal things, but I still have a bit of a reserved attitude. I could understand if I had been burned by a peer in the past, but I can't think of an instance of that happening. I have no good reason hold back (at least professionally) with the people at work I feel I can talk with, but yet I do. I think that my over thinking sensitiveness is showing through still.
So, what does this all have to do with my resurgence of writing? Not much, at least directly.
I've decided to write more, mostly because I've decided it's time. I've reach a point in my life that I'm comfortable enough to use my blog for its intended purpose: reflect who I am online, and give me an outlet to hone my thoughts. Does this mean I'm going to start writing about every little thing that happens in my life? Probably not. I'll more than likely not bring work into the mix...this is MY blog about MY life. I have enough to parse through outside of work, I'll leave my work concerns there.
What you can expect to see, is more posts like the ones about the stove. Posts that I use to discuss my feelings of inexperience, inadequacies, frustration, excitement, and satisfaction. I need to work on identifying my feelings and their origins, and if they are less than helpful emotions, figure out how to work through them to be able to move on without always having a tiny spot in the back of my mind that keeps making its way to the surface.
The stove entries were very cathartic for me, and afterwards, I slept much better...even if I was a bit chilly :)
So here's to a new blog, and a new me. More of the old...but hopefully not as much as before.
Oct 27, 2011
Stove Newb...
In our last adventure, we walked down memory lane on how I came to be the proud owner of a Pellet stove.
In this installment, we learn how said stove has put me outside my element and challenging me in ways I'm not used to, and don't particularly like.
I've been thinking about this stove non-stop when I'm at home..mostly because I have reminders all around me: The stove sitting there unplugged, the shiny stove pipe on the side of my house, Bags of Pellets sitting in my basement, and the sound of the boiler running while the stove is out of commission.
The Stove is my first real big expensive purchase since the house. IT is meant to help curb us of our Fuel Oil ways, and save us money.
It's sitting there...broken.
I'm currently waiting for a new Controller board to arrive to fix it, but my confidence with the stove is extremely low. Before I could call Support ( they are only open 8-5 m-f) I tried to use my Troubleshooting skills to determine the root cause of the issue. I ran the diagnostics of the stove, and it appears that air was leaking out of the stove. I checked the gaskets, and quickly decided that the Door gasket needed to be replaced. I bought a replacement 5/8" rope gasket and installed it.
I'm pretty sure that made it worse. With my confidence shaken, I started down the path of trying to correct the newly installed gasket. I got some hi-temp silicone sealant and used that to push the gasket out more to create an airtight door seal. I couldn't help myself and kept trying to "fix" it even more.
What I'm left with now is a gasket that is probably complete and udder shit. It is airtight, but that is not the intended use of the sealant. It may melt onto the stove.
I can admit that.
It is ok. This is my first stove, and I'm learning. I need to take my work ethos and step back when I'm getting stressed/overwhelmed and re-evaluate the situation.
Worst case: I need a new $8 gasket and $7 of sealant.
Deep breaths, Deep breaths.
In this installment, we learn how said stove has put me outside my element and challenging me in ways I'm not used to, and don't particularly like.
I've been thinking about this stove non-stop when I'm at home..mostly because I have reminders all around me: The stove sitting there unplugged, the shiny stove pipe on the side of my house, Bags of Pellets sitting in my basement, and the sound of the boiler running while the stove is out of commission.
The Stove is my first real big expensive purchase since the house. IT is meant to help curb us of our Fuel Oil ways, and save us money.
It's sitting there...broken.
I'm currently waiting for a new Controller board to arrive to fix it, but my confidence with the stove is extremely low. Before I could call Support ( they are only open 8-5 m-f) I tried to use my Troubleshooting skills to determine the root cause of the issue. I ran the diagnostics of the stove, and it appears that air was leaking out of the stove. I checked the gaskets, and quickly decided that the Door gasket needed to be replaced. I bought a replacement 5/8" rope gasket and installed it.
I'm pretty sure that made it worse. With my confidence shaken, I started down the path of trying to correct the newly installed gasket. I got some hi-temp silicone sealant and used that to push the gasket out more to create an airtight door seal. I couldn't help myself and kept trying to "fix" it even more.
What I'm left with now is a gasket that is probably complete and udder shit. It is airtight, but that is not the intended use of the sealant. It may melt onto the stove.
I can admit that.
It is ok. This is my first stove, and I'm learning. I need to take my work ethos and step back when I'm getting stressed/overwhelmed and re-evaluate the situation.
Worst case: I need a new $8 gasket and $7 of sealant.
Deep breaths, Deep breaths.
How I arrived at owning a Pellet Stove.
I'm beginning to realize that having a stove is more work than what I anticipated. I'm writing this as retrospective as to how I got here...soon to be followed by where I am :)
When Robyn and I were thinking about alternative heat sources to replace our Fuel Oil supplied Base board heaters, we discussed several options.
We first discussed just replacing the fuel source: Put in a gas burning boiler and get rid of Fuel Oil entirely.
This would be the easiest from a "Living Room Modification" standpoint, as we could use the existing heat pipes, pumps and thermostats. In the basement, we would have to remove the old boiler and the fuel oil tank...two daunting tasks.
Unfortunately, this task was outweighed by an even more dissuading one: The fact we have no natural gas lines into the house. I spent a good deal of time during the summer researching what it would take to get Gas lines run to the house. Our local provider, RG&E would run a line (100' max) to our house for free. From there, we call in a contractor to then run the lines inside the house. The only requirement They had is the Gas appliance has to be purchased prior to them running the line. I get that, they don't want to run a line for a promise, but a guarantee.
Having Gas in the house would also be nice in case we wanted to ever switch our our Electric range or dryer for a gas equivalent.
We ultimately decided that we WILL run a gas line someday, but probably not for a year or two.
Next, we briefly talked about a furnace. This talk broke down real quick as it would require extensive duct work, and something to heat the air. They make Electric Furnaces, but they are expensive.
Wood burning stoves was the next avenue we went down. Robyn's Parents have a wood stove in their house, and have for over 30 years. The heat that the stove is capable of is great, and the range seems to be significant. Starting the fire is simple, and if you get a big enough stove, it can be packed at night and last until the morning.
The thought of having to buy, and potentially split enough wood to heat our home started to give us reservations. It isn't that we are unable to do it, it is more a question of do I want to do it. I enjoy splitting wood on camping trips or during the occasional fire in our backyard. Getting up and going out to the cold garage everyday to split? Not the most exciting idea. The other show stopper for the wood stove was the lack of a good chimney that could be utilized for the exhaust.
By the time we arrived at the Pellet Stove idea, it seemed like we reached the Zenith of our talks. It provided us with the output similar to a wood stove, yet more convenient. Loading bags of sawdust pellets every day is pretty simple, and if need be, Robyn could do it. The Exhaust requirements are straight forward, and easy to do (as long as you have the correct tools, and Patient friends and family).
We committed ourselves to the Pellet Stove idea, and began down that path. Which leads us to....
When Robyn and I were thinking about alternative heat sources to replace our Fuel Oil supplied Base board heaters, we discussed several options.
We first discussed just replacing the fuel source: Put in a gas burning boiler and get rid of Fuel Oil entirely.
This would be the easiest from a "Living Room Modification" standpoint, as we could use the existing heat pipes, pumps and thermostats. In the basement, we would have to remove the old boiler and the fuel oil tank...two daunting tasks.
Unfortunately, this task was outweighed by an even more dissuading one: The fact we have no natural gas lines into the house. I spent a good deal of time during the summer researching what it would take to get Gas lines run to the house. Our local provider, RG&E would run a line (100' max) to our house for free. From there, we call in a contractor to then run the lines inside the house. The only requirement They had is the Gas appliance has to be purchased prior to them running the line. I get that, they don't want to run a line for a promise, but a guarantee.
Having Gas in the house would also be nice in case we wanted to ever switch our our Electric range or dryer for a gas equivalent.
We ultimately decided that we WILL run a gas line someday, but probably not for a year or two.
Next, we briefly talked about a furnace. This talk broke down real quick as it would require extensive duct work, and something to heat the air. They make Electric Furnaces, but they are expensive.
Wood burning stoves was the next avenue we went down. Robyn's Parents have a wood stove in their house, and have for over 30 years. The heat that the stove is capable of is great, and the range seems to be significant. Starting the fire is simple, and if you get a big enough stove, it can be packed at night and last until the morning.
The thought of having to buy, and potentially split enough wood to heat our home started to give us reservations. It isn't that we are unable to do it, it is more a question of do I want to do it. I enjoy splitting wood on camping trips or during the occasional fire in our backyard. Getting up and going out to the cold garage everyday to split? Not the most exciting idea. The other show stopper for the wood stove was the lack of a good chimney that could be utilized for the exhaust.
By the time we arrived at the Pellet Stove idea, it seemed like we reached the Zenith of our talks. It provided us with the output similar to a wood stove, yet more convenient. Loading bags of sawdust pellets every day is pretty simple, and if need be, Robyn could do it. The Exhaust requirements are straight forward, and easy to do (as long as you have the correct tools, and Patient friends and family).
We committed ourselves to the Pellet Stove idea, and began down that path. Which leads us to....
Oct 26, 2011
Truck passed!
Well, I managed to get my truck into the mechanic today to:
I mean, I love my truck, but with the impending arrival of kid #2, having a vehicle that can only seat 2 adults, or one adult and one car seat doesn't seem practical. I'd like to keep it for another year, just to gain a little more ground before having to buy another car.
- Get the stuff fixed to pass inspection ( two tires and a windshield wiper...didn't realize that was a inspection thing!)
- Take a look at the heat issue
- Take a look a the funny throttle yesterday (if I attempted to put more than a feather's weight of pressure, truck would pulse)
Under $500 later, I have a Truck that passed inspection, a SPARE TIRE, and an experience with a mechanic where I didn't feel like an a$$hole for asking them to fix something.
The Throttle was apparently a clog in the fuel line. The heat is a slightly longer tale.
Apparently there are two tiny leaks in my truck: one in the radiator and one in the intake(I think?). These leaks are really tiny, and could not cause a significant loss in fluid for months, or years. The Mechanic said if I planned on keeping the truck for "a long time" I should replace them...at ~$1000.00.
Considering my truck is 10 years old and has over 100,000 miles, I don't know how long term I'll still have the truck.
I mean, I love my truck, but with the impending arrival of kid #2, having a vehicle that can only seat 2 adults, or one adult and one car seat doesn't seem practical. I'd like to keep it for another year, just to gain a little more ground before having to buy another car.
..or more likely the MINIVAN Robyn wants :)
Oct 24, 2011
I must have pissed them off or something...
I took a sick day today to try to avoid getting massively sick. I ended up taking a nap, and around 1:30 I felt pretty good. I wanted to get out and accomplish something, and since my truck's inspection is due at the end of the month, I thought I would head to a local repair shop to do this.
I pulled in, briskly walk in to avoid the rain, and I'm greeted by three mechanics standing in the main office. Right off the bat, I had a feeling like they were pissed at me.
Me: "Hey! How's it going?"
Guy 1: "...good."
Me: "Cool. Can I get my truck inspected?"
Guy 2 and three walk away, not really making eye contact.
Guy 1: "Well, I'll need your registration."
Me: "Sure. <Places Registration on the table>"
Guy 1 grabs a form and places it on the table.
Guy 1: "<circles the top CUSTOMER INFORMATION Area> Here. Fill out the top ONLY." <-- Not sure why he placed such emphasis.
Me: "Ok."
Guy 1: "Anything else?"
Me: "I don't think so. I've got a little more time before I need to rotate my tires and change the oil."
I fill out the form, and the takes my keys. A few seconds later, the truck is in and up on the lift.
20 minutes later, the truck is pulled up in front of the waiting area. Guy 1 gets out, with the truck still running. He walks into the garage, and comes back in about a minute later.
Guy 1: "All set. That'll be $21"
Me: "Great!"
I take a look at the form, and it appears that there are notes on the form
Guy 1: "Sign here. <hands me the credit receipt, I sign it, and he takes it back>"
Me: "...So, anything I need to worry about? Am I all set?"
Guy 1: "Nope. It failed."
Me: "...um, ok. What do I need to have done?"
Guy 1: "Driver's side rear tire, and a driver's side windshield wiper. Here's your receipt, and the printout. It will be $10 to re-test. You'll need this when you come back....IF you come back. Goodbye."
At this point, the guy just walks away. Stunned, I walk out to my running truck.
As I get in the truck, I realize something is amiss....The window was down! Now, the actual time the window was open, was about 2-3 minutes...
Why did you put the window down IN THE RAIN?
I left, and my patience was definitely thin at this point.
The thing that really got to me is they didn't even try to sell me tires, which they have in stock, or wipers, which are right next to the counter.
The entire experience just left a bitter taste in my mouth. I honestly want to like them since they are not too far away from my house, but this is the second time in a row I felt like I did something that offended them...by showing up to give them money.
Maybe I'm overreacting, maybe I'm making it bigger than it needs to be, but it just felt odd.
I pulled in, briskly walk in to avoid the rain, and I'm greeted by three mechanics standing in the main office. Right off the bat, I had a feeling like they were pissed at me.
Me: "Hey! How's it going?"
Guy 1: "...good."
Me: "Cool. Can I get my truck inspected?"
Guy 2 and three walk away, not really making eye contact.
Guy 1: "Well, I'll need your registration."
Me: "Sure. <Places Registration on the table>"
Guy 1 grabs a form and places it on the table.
Guy 1: "<circles the top CUSTOMER INFORMATION Area> Here. Fill out the top ONLY." <-- Not sure why he placed such emphasis.
Me: "Ok."
Guy 1: "Anything else?"
Me: "I don't think so. I've got a little more time before I need to rotate my tires and change the oil."
I fill out the form, and the takes my keys. A few seconds later, the truck is in and up on the lift.
20 minutes later, the truck is pulled up in front of the waiting area. Guy 1 gets out, with the truck still running. He walks into the garage, and comes back in about a minute later.
Guy 1: "All set. That'll be $21"
Me: "Great!"
I take a look at the form, and it appears that there are notes on the form
Guy 1: "Sign here. <hands me the credit receipt, I sign it, and he takes it back>"
Me: "...So, anything I need to worry about? Am I all set?"
Guy 1: "Nope. It failed."
Me: "...um, ok. What do I need to have done?"
Guy 1: "Driver's side rear tire, and a driver's side windshield wiper. Here's your receipt, and the printout. It will be $10 to re-test. You'll need this when you come back....IF you come back. Goodbye."
At this point, the guy just walks away. Stunned, I walk out to my running truck.
As I get in the truck, I realize something is amiss....The window was down! Now, the actual time the window was open, was about 2-3 minutes...
Why did you put the window down IN THE RAIN?
I left, and my patience was definitely thin at this point.
The thing that really got to me is they didn't even try to sell me tires, which they have in stock, or wipers, which are right next to the counter.
The entire experience just left a bitter taste in my mouth. I honestly want to like them since they are not too far away from my house, but this is the second time in a row I felt like I did something that offended them...by showing up to give them money.
Maybe I'm overreacting, maybe I'm making it bigger than it needs to be, but it just felt odd.
Oct 20, 2011
Day one of Stove use
So far, the stove is working wonderfully. The vent system is doing what it should: Venting the smoke out of the house!
The Stove is current set on HR-1, or Low heat. Current temperature outside: 51 degrees. Current temp inside: 82 downstairs, 78 upstairs. At these temperatures in the spring/fall last year, we were struggling to keep the downstairs at 67 and the upstairs at 68. Even then, the Boiler was running pretty much non-stop.
I plan to keep a log of when I add a bag to the stove, and the temperature range for the day, and Stove heat setting to help track of usage to plan for next year and see how we do.
We spent Just under $975 on Pellets. The stove, heat board and pipe work was about $1375, and another $55 for caulk and drywall. We just purchased a gate for $43. That puts the total cost of the Stove installation at around $2448.
According to NYSERDA, the current cost of Fuel oil is $3.65 per gallon, up from $2.79 last year. That puts us at around $730 to fill our tank. Last year, we went through around 800 gallons. ( I'll have to check that number...).
If the prices stay at $3.65, that would mean a cost of $2920 to to heat our house at the 67/68 degree mark through winter. That means, this year we'll spend about $472 LESS than we would have just using Fuel Oil, and have a house that will be warmer. I'll keep an eye on the price of Fuel Oil, and at the end of the month, I'll take the average price and compare to our usage last year. We went through almost a tank a month during December, January, February, and March. November and April were partial, so we'll say another tank. that's a Total of around 4 Fills. I'm not expecting this installation to pay for itself in one year, but it just might.
Here's a link to the picture gallery:
The Stove is current set on HR-1, or Low heat. Current temperature outside: 51 degrees. Current temp inside: 82 downstairs, 78 upstairs. At these temperatures in the spring/fall last year, we were struggling to keep the downstairs at 67 and the upstairs at 68. Even then, the Boiler was running pretty much non-stop.
I plan to keep a log of when I add a bag to the stove, and the temperature range for the day, and Stove heat setting to help track of usage to plan for next year and see how we do.
We spent Just under $975 on Pellets. The stove, heat board and pipe work was about $1375, and another $55 for caulk and drywall. We just purchased a gate for $43. That puts the total cost of the Stove installation at around $2448.
According to NYSERDA, the current cost of Fuel oil is $3.65 per gallon, up from $2.79 last year. That puts us at around $730 to fill our tank. Last year, we went through around 800 gallons. ( I'll have to check that number...).
If the prices stay at $3.65, that would mean a cost of $2920 to to heat our house at the 67/68 degree mark through winter. That means, this year we'll spend about $472 LESS than we would have just using Fuel Oil, and have a house that will be warmer. I'll keep an eye on the price of Fuel Oil, and at the end of the month, I'll take the average price and compare to our usage last year. We went through almost a tank a month during December, January, February, and March. November and April were partial, so we'll say another tank. that's a Total of around 4 Fills. I'm not expecting this installation to pay for itself in one year, but it just might.
Here's a link to the picture gallery:
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